JOB DESCRIPTION

YMCA Dublin has been working with children, young people and families in communities across Dublin
for 175 years. We run programmes in youth work, education, family support, childcare and community
employment.
The Playwork Assistant will assist in providing our school age childcare and youth work services to
young people aged 8 to 17 years in Dublin 13. This role, part of a Community Employment Scheme
(19.5 hrs/week), requires good communication, teamwork, and organisational skills to help embed
YMCA Dublin’s services in new communities.
YMCA Dublin are excited to provide an individual in gaining quality work experience and certified
training in order to have a successful career in the Childcare or Youth Work Sector.
This three year phased scheme will include:
Year 1: Employment induction and fundamentals in childcare and/or youthwork. Specific training
and shadowing of experienced team members.
Year 2: QQI qualifications and targeted learning that could include Social Studies, Working with
Young People, Special Needs Assisting and/or Paediatric First Aid.
Year 3: Further responsibility with tasks, work placement, CV and interview preparation.
All the above opportunities are aimed at increasing skill and knowledge in the area in order to gain a full
time career in Youth Work or Early Years provision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Engaging with young people appropriately during after school and youth work sessions.
• Facilitating play activities, such as arts and crafts, with children and young people.
• Assisting with daily school collections and drop-offs.
• Supervising children on outdoor trips to local parks and playgrounds.
• Acting as a positive role model for children and young people.
• Working with team members to plan weekly programmes and daily activities.
• Help set up and prepare spaces and materials for activities.
• Assist with administrative duties, including inputting work records and completing daily

checklists and observations.

• Undertaking practical training in school age childcare, playwork, safeguarding, etc.
• Abide by YMCA Policies and Procedures, including Child Protection and Health & Safety.
• Any other duties related to the delivery of YMCA Childcare services.

KEY SKILLS:

• Good planning and time management skills
• Good team working skills
• High level of motivation and the ability to work on your own initiative
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to empathise with, support and motivate people.
• Basic computer skills.

• Engaging with young people appropriately during after school and youth work sessions.
• Facilitating play activities, such as arts and crafts, with children and young people.
• Assisting with daily school collections and drop-offs.
• Supervising children on outdoor trips to local parks and playgrounds.
• Acting as a positive role model for children and young people.
• Working with team members to plan weekly programmes and daily activities.
• Help set up and prepare spaces and materials for activities.
• Assist with administrative duties, including inputting work records and completing dail